ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This pilot study aimed to determine the feasibility of serum values of osteonectin, adiponectin, transforming growth factor beta 1, and neurotensin being used in clinical practice to predict the severity of acute pancreatitis. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 45 consecutive newly diagnosed acute pancreatitis patients and 30 matched healthy controls. The 2 groups were matched according to age, sex, weight, height, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol consumption. The aforementioned markers were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. RESULTS: Characteristics of acute pancreatitis patients and healthy controls were comparable. Osteonectin values differed significantly (P < 0.0001). Median/lower quartile/upper quartile of osteonectin levels for acute pancreatitis patients and healthy controls were 263.5/110.3/490.36 and 63.2/46.1/87.2 ng/mL, respectively. Two patients died, 1 patient underwent necrosectomy, and 4 patients had a prolonged intensive care unit/hospital stay. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome scores neither predicted serum values of any of the measured substances nor the clinical outcome (need for intervention, prolonged intensive care unit/hospital stay and mortality). Osteonectin was the only independent predictor for clinical outcome (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Serum osteonectin strongly discriminates healthy individuals from acute pancreatitis patients. Serum osteonectin shows promise in the prediction of the clinical outcome.
Subject(s)
Biliary Tract Diseases/blood , Biomarkers/blood , Pancreatitis/blood , Patient Admission , Acute Disease , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Biliary Tract Diseases/complications , Biliary Tract Diseases/diagnosis , Female , Humans , Intensive Care Units , Length of Stay , Male , Middle Aged , Osteonectin/blood , Pancreatitis/complications , Pancreatitis/diagnosis , Pilot Projects , Predictive Value of Tests , PrognosisABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the situation of breastfeeding in Surat among infants and to determine variables associated to major risks for early weaning. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: Mothers coming to the well baby clinic for immunization of infants at Government Medical College and Hospital were interviewed using pretested questionnaire. SUBJECTS: Mothers with their infants who have not completed one year of age. METHODS: In this cross sectional study, 498 mothers were selected for study from May to September, 2008. Survival analysis was the method used to calculate the prevalence and the median duration of breastfeeding. The Chi-square test was performed to compare the proportions; significance level was set at 5%. Odds ratio was used to measure the significance of association, with a 95% confidence interval. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for early weaning. RESULTS: The median length of exclusive breastfeeding was 6 months. Risk factors for early weaning were primiparity (OR = 3.01, 95% CI = 2.01- 4.51), consecutive delivery interval less than 24 months (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.09 - 2.92), maternal age below 20 years (OR = 6.49, 95% CI = 2.69 - 15.61), and paternal occupation as labor (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.36 - 3.00). CONCLUSIONS: Exclusive breastfeeding practices are not in a better situation than at national level. The factors related to early weaning denote a weak breastfeeding support given by maternal and infant health services. KEYWORDS: Exclusive breastfeeding; Weaning; Antenatal care; Postnatal care; Education.
ABSTRACT
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) are a common bacterial infection in children. The diagnosis of UTI is very often missed in young children due to minimal and non-specific symptoms. The developing renal cortex in young children is vulnerable to renal scarring resulting in hypertension and chronic renal failure. A clinically suspected case of UTI should be defined and documented with urine culture report. After the diagnosis of UTI, its category should be defined. It will guide for proper radioimaging evaluation, choice of antimicrobial agent, duration of treatment, need of chemoprophylaxis etc. Even a single confirmed UTI should be taken seriously. Rational use of modern radioimaging for proper evaluation is essential. UTI in neonates, nosocomial UTI and UTI due to ESBL producing organisms are special situations, to be identified and managed with advanced therapy promptly and appropriately.
